[Edition 30] SYDNEY, Thursday: In response to an action brought by several traditional feminist groups, the High Court yesterday declared the Night to have been formally reclaimed.[Edition 30] SYDNEY, Thursday: In response to an action brought by several traditional feminist groups, the High Court yesterday declared the Night to have been formally reclaimed.

Legal arguments hinged on the identity of the original claimants of the night, prior occupation of nights generally, and the issue of compensation for those from whom the night had been reclaimed. Streetwalkers, pimps and the homeless have been granted access to the night in some areas for ceremonial purposes, but only where proof of an ongoing nocturnal connection is provided.

Leaders of the Reclaim the Night movement, although initially said to be ‘thrilled’ by the announcement, woke this morning to find themselves out of a job, prompting community action to continue the general process of reclamation elsewhere. Consequently, the hours between 3pm and 6pm have been targeted by the renamed Reclaim the Mid-Afternoon Collective.

The Federal Government has reacted angrily to the news, and has announced that it will release a ten-point plan that will allow existing muggers and villains to continue to profit from the cover of darkness.